FAUST

MEPHISTOPHELES

In sprang the dog, indeed, observing naught;
Things now assume another shape,
The devil’s in the house and can’t escape.

FAUST

Why through the window not withdraw?

MEPHISTOPHELES

For ghosts and for the devil ’tis a law,
Where they stole in, there they must forth. We’re
free
The first to choose; as to the second, slaves are
we.

FAUST

E’en hell hath its peculiar laws, I see!
I’m glad of that! a pact may then be made,
The which you gentlemen will surely keep?

MEPHISTOPHELES

Whate’er therein is promised thou shalt reap,
No tittle shall remain unpaid.
But such arrangements time require;
We’ll speak of them when next we meet;
Most earnestly I now entreat,
This once permission to retire.

FAUST

Another moment prithee here remain,
Me with some happy word to pleasure.